Graven Hill Village Development Company announced as buyer of former council offices

Housing developer Graven Hill Village Development Company (GHVDC) has been announced as the buyer of the Council’s former Bodicote House offices.

The news represents an important milestone in securing the future of the site, in the heart of Bodicote village, enabling it to be transformed into a high-quality, proportionate development that benefits the local area.

Owned by the council, Bicester-based GHVDC has a long-standing reputation for delivering a wide range of popular housing solutions. With more than 650 homes already delivered at Graven Hill, the development is still growing and is known nationally for its contemporary place-making approach. The community-focused identity has been achieved by careful and sensitive development alongside existing landscape features and open green spaces.

Councillor David Hingley, Leader of the Council, said: “Our move to Castle Quay has allowed us to establish a modern, energy-efficient headquarters in the centre of Banbury, reducing running costs and improving accessibility for residents. Finding the right buyer for the old Bodicote House site is the next vital step, enabling the site to get a new lease of life that meets Bodicote’s future needs.

 “We are delighted to be ​​announcing GHVDC as the buyer of Bodicote House. With a proven track record for quality and innovation, their experienced team is well placed to create an exciting future for this village site, working in partnership with the council and local community to provide suitable and sustainable housing that works for the village and its residents.”

Bodicote House has been vacant since the council’s move to Castle Quay in 2025. Offering the site to market, the council had engaged with another private developer over the sale, but following changes to the company’s commercial position last year, it revisited its options. The offer from GHVDC was then identified and accepted as providing excellent value for money for district taxpayers whilst still allowing the council to retain a positive influence over the site’s future.

Whilst owned by the council, GHVDC operates as an independently managed company with its own governance arrangements and development funding for the acquisition of Bodicote House and its subsequent redevelopment.

Adrian Unitt, Managing Director of GHVDC, said: "This is a really exciting opportunity to bring forwards a vibrant development in Bodicote. The team is looking forward to working closely with Cherwell District Council and the community to bring the site back into productive use, designing an innovative housing development that is sensitive to this characterful village and helps meet local needs at this unique location."

As with any proposed new development of this nature, a detailed planning application will be required before any development or construction can take place. If approved, work on the site could begin in 2027, with the first new homes potentially available in 2028.